Skating Wilder

Gr 7 Up–This love letter to all things skateboarding will be devoured by seasoned skaters, non-skaters, and those new to skating for its concise but rich history of the sport. Providing context and explanation to a culturally long-maligned sport, the nonfiction graphic novel follows two adult skateboarders as they reminisce about the skating days of their youth. The illustrations are dynamic and energetic, done in monochromatic violet for the present and tan for the past, making the book simple to follow. Especially interesting is the focus on the intersection of skating and music, and the crossover of skate culture with genres like punk, thrash, and hip-hop—the creation of which were accomplished with limited resources, much like skateboarding. The book explains how the pairing was further strengthened with the creation of the skate video. Complete with in-depth descriptions of popular tricks and a glossary of skating terms, this is a great resource for beginners wanting to learn more as well as experienced skaters who will appreciate its charming reassurance that the counterculture phenomenon will continue to adapt and persist for future generations.